My Insights
By Kristen Kaleal

It's August! My favorite month! Why is it my favorite? My birthday, of course!! And naturally, I love presents!!!

This month, I am giving a present to all of you: snippets of insight into women and style from my nearly six years in this business. (Guys may want to read this too - a lot of secrets are divulged and myths are laid to rest here!)

I'm sure a lot of you will see a lot of yourselves in this list. I am no different - especially where insensible shoes and black pants are concerned!

• A woman's closet is the door into her psyche: messy closet, messy life.
• Most women can shop in their closets. They have everything they need - they just need to learn to use it properly.
• Women would rather receive compliments on how good they look instead of how good their outfit looks.
• Most women love stylish shoes - comfort should come first, but doesn't always.
• A woman's style is determined more by what part of the country she lives in and her lifestyle than by the fashion magazines.
• Many women are afraid that others will focus on their perceived body issues as much as they do. Luckily, most people are far too busy focusing on their own challenges to be bothered with yours.
• Most women wear clothing that is too big. Or too small.
• Women rely too heavily on black pants.
• When a woman likes the way she looks, the cost doesn't matter.
• When it comes to having a wardrobe that works, it is quality, not quantity that matters.
• Black is not the most versatile wardrobe color.
• Most women look lovely in teal.
• Fashion and style are two separate entities.
• The most flattering red for every skin tone is watermelon.
• The fashion industry has a lot to learn about real women.
• Good undergarments are really important
.
• A good tailor is one of your wardrobe's best allies.
• Knowing your best colors and level of contrast are the first steps to creating a disciplined wardrobe.
• Despite our stereotype, shopping is not a favorite pastime for many of us. Many women consider it confusing, time consuming, and overwhelming.
• When women try clothing on and it doesn't fit them, they blame their bodies and not the clothes. (It is almost always the fault of the manufacturer for having no consistent sizing!)
• Most women aren't interested in being trendy or faddish; most just want to express who they are through their clothing and accessories.
• Once a trend hits Payless or Wal-Mart, it is basically over.
• Finding the right pants means trying on at least ten pairs.
• Bulky clothing doesn't camouflage anything; it just makes you look bigger.
• There is no such thing as the perfect body. Fortunately, there is perfect clothing for every woman's body.

Kristen Kaleal is an image consultant and corporate speaker. She is the style and image expert for ClevelandWomen.com and can be reached at (440) 742-0385 or kristen@ClevelandWomen.com.